Maersk increases contingency surcharges on Middle East–Africa routes
Maersk has announced an upward revision of its Emergency Contingency Surcharge on key trade routes connecting the Middle East to East and West Africa.
Global integrated logistics provider A.P. Moller – Maersk has announced an upcoming revision to its Emergency Contingency Surcharge (ECS) on selected maritime services connecting key ports across the Middle East with destinations in East and West Africa. The updated tariff schedule is due to take effect from 15 August 2026.
According to a trade advisory published by the Danish ocean carrier, the pricing adjustments are being introduced to address mounting operational challenges and escalating cost pressures across critical maritime trade corridors. Across the specified origin ports and equipment categories, the tariff reflects a uniform surcharge increase of $500 per container.
For cargo originating from the ports of Sohar in Oman, as well as Fujairah and Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates, bound for West African ports under trade code W2MW, the revised ECS for a standard 20-foot dry container will increase from $3,450 to $3,950. Meanwhile, 40-foot dry and high-cube units will move from $4,650 to $5,150. Temperature-sensitive freight will also incur updated rates: 20-foot reefer containers will rise from $3,550 to $4,050, whilst 40-foot high-cube reefers will shift from $5,450 to $5,950. Surcharges for 45-foot high-cube containers will match the 40-foot dry level at $5,150.
On the West Africa corridor departing from the Omani port of Salalah under trade code W2MW, rates for both 20-foot dry and 20-foot reefer units will adjust from $2,450 to $2,950. Surcharges applied to 40-foot dry, 40-foot high-cube, 40-foot high reefer, and 45-foot high-cube containers will rise from $3,650 to $4,150.
For shipments routed to East Africa under trade code Z3ME from Sohar, Fujairah, and Khor Fakkan, the 20-foot dry container surcharge will move to $3,300, and 40-foot dry and high-cube containers will rise to $4,500. Reefer equipment on this lane will adjust to $3,950 for 20-foot units and $6,400 for 40-foot high reefers.
Maersk has advised affected cargo owners and supply chain partners to liaise directly with regional customer experience teams for booking arrangements and scheduled departures.